Driving on a suspended license is illegal, and you face when ready arrest, vehicle impound, and criminal charges the moment a police officer runs your plate
A suspended license means your driving privilege has been temporarily revoked by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or a court. Unlike a revoked license (which is permanent until you go through reinstatement), suspension is temporary — but only if you follow the steps to restore it. Driving during suspension is a criminal offense in every state, not a traffic ticket.
The consequences start the moment an officer stops you. Police will arrest you on the spot in most states, impound your vehicle (which costs $100 to $300 per day to retrieve), and charge you with a misdemeanor. You will face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, possible jail time (typically 5 to 30 days for a first offense), and a permanent criminal record. Your license suspension will be extended — often by months or years — and your insurance rates will spike if you can get coverage at all.
The only legal option while suspended is not to drive. If you need transportation, use rideshare services, public transit, taxis, or ask someone with a valid license to drive. Some states offer a hardship license or work permit that allows limited driving to and from work or medical appointments, but you must request this through your DMV before you drive — not after you are caught.
Key Takeaways
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that results in arrest, vehicle impound, fines of $250 to $1,000, and possible jail time.
- Your license suspension will be extended when you are convicted of driving suspended, making it harder and longer to restore your driving privilege.
- A hardship license or work permit may be available through your state's DMV, but you must request it before you drive — not after an arrest.
- Police can identify a suspended license when ready through a plate check, so the risk of driving undetected is extremely low.
- The only safe option is to use alternative transportation until your suspension ends and you complete the reinstatement process.
Why your license gets suspended in the first place
License suspension happens for specific reasons, and understanding why yours was suspended tells you what you need to do to restore it. The most common cause is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution — your license stays suspended until you pay. Other frequent reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record (usually 12 points or more within a set period), driving under the influence, failure to appear in court, failure to maintain car insurance, or not paying child support.
Some suspensions are automatic — your state's DMV suspends your license without a court order the moment a triggering event occurs. Others come from a judge's decision in a criminal or traffic case. A few states allow administrative suspension, which happens when ready after a DUI arrest even before trial. The reason matters because it determines what you must do to get your license back. If it is unpaid fines, you pay. If it is points, you may need to wait out the suspension period or take a defensive driving course. If it is a DUI, you will need an ignition interlock device and proof of insurance before reinstatement.
What happens during a traffic stop when you are suspended
When an officer runs your license plate or scans your driver's license, the suspension shows up when ready in the police database. The officer will ask you to step out of the vehicle and will inform you that you are under arrest for driving with a suspended license. You will be handcuffed, read your rights, and taken to the police station for booking. Your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot, and you will be held until you can post bail or are released on your own recognizance.
At the police station, you will be photographed, fingerprinted, and charged with a misdemeanor (or felony in some states if this is a repeat offense). You will be given a court date and released with a citation. The towing and impound fees begin when ready — typically $150 to $300 for towing plus $25 to $50 per day for storage. To retrieve your vehicle, you must pay these fees in full, even if you are later found not guilty of the driving-suspended charge.
Your arrest will appear on your criminal record, and you will have a court hearing where you can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If convicted, you face fines, possible jail time, and an extension of your suspension period. Many judges add 6 to 12 months to your original suspension as punishment for driving while suspended.
Hardship licenses and work permits: limited driving options
Some states offer a hardship license (also called a work permit, occupational license, or essential needs license) that allows you to drive to specific places — usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — even while your license is suspended. This is not a full license; it is a restricted permit that specifies which routes you can drive and what times. Violating the restrictions (driving somewhere other than listed, or driving outside permitted hours) is a new criminal charge.
To request a hardship license, you must contact your state's DMV before you drive. You will need to show proof of financial hardship (loss of job, medical emergency, inability to use public transit), proof of employment or school enrollment, and sometimes proof that you have paid part of any outstanding fines. The approval process typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. Some states grant hardship licenses automatically; others require a hearing before a judge.
Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a hardship license. If your suspension is for a DUI, most states will not grant one until you have completed a substance abuse program and installed an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If your suspension is for unpaid child support, you may not may have access to at all. Check your state's DMV website or call their suspension unit to learn whether your specific suspension reason allows a hardship license.
How to restore your license after suspension ends
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed plus any reinstatement fees (typically $50 to $150). If it was suspended for accumulating points, you may straightforward wait out the suspension period (usually 6 months to 1 year) and then request reinstatement. If it was a DUI suspension, you must install an ignition interlock device, complete a substance abuse program, and provide proof of insurance before reinstatement is possible.
Contact your state's DMV directly — by phone, mail, or in person — to find out exactly what you owe and what documents you need. Some states allow online reinstatement; others require you to visit a DMV office in person. Once you have completed all requirements and paid all fees, your license will be reinstated, usually within 1 to 5 business days. You will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at the DMV office.
Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated. Even if you believe you have completed all requirements, your license is still suspended in the system until the DMV processes your reinstatement. Driving before official reinstatement is another criminal charge.
Criminal record consequences and insurance impact
A conviction for driving with a suspended license creates a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks for employment, housing, and loans. Many employers will not hire someone with a misdemeanor on their record, especially if the job involves driving or handling money. Landlords may refuse to rent to you, and banks may deny credit applications.
Your car insurance will be affected in two ways. First, if you were uninsured while driving suspended, your insurer may cancel your policy entirely, and you will be labeled a high-risk driver. Second, the criminal conviction itself will cause your rates to increase significantly — often by 50 to 100 percent — for 3 to 5 years. Some insurers will not cover you at all after a driving-suspended conviction and will require you to use a high-risk insurance company at premium rates.
If you are convicted a second time for driving suspended within a certain period (usually 5 to 10 years), the charge may be elevated to a felony, which carries jail time of 30 days to 6 months and fines of $500 to $2,500. A felony conviction has even more severe employment and housing consequences and can affect your right to vote or own firearms in some states.
What to do if you have been arrested for driving suspended
If you have already been arrested, contact a criminal defense attorney when ready. Many offer free consultations and can advise you on your specific case. Do not plead guilty at your first court appearance — ask for a continuance so your attorney has time to review the police report and explore options like plea bargains or dismissal.
Some cases can be dismissed if the police officer did not have legal grounds to stop you or if there was an error in the suspension database. Other cases may be reduced to a lesser charge or result in a plea agreement that avoids jail time. An attorney can also negotiate with the court to allow you to reinstate your license before trial, which may result in a reduced sentence.
While your case is pending, do not drive. Do not explore for a hardship license as a way to continue driving — courts view this as an attempt to circumvent the law, and it will make your case worse. Focus on paying any outstanding fines or completing any required programs, as this shows the court you are taking the matter seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if I have already been arrested for driving suspended?
It depends on your state and the judge handling your case. Some judges will grant a hardship license after arrest if you show genuine hardship and have completed part of your reinstatement requirements. Others view it as an attempt to continue breaking the law and will deny it. Your criminal defense attorney can request one at your court hearing, but there is no may provide it will be approved.
What if the police officer made a mistake and my license was not actually suspended?
If the suspension was an error in the DMV database, you can request dismissal of the charge. Your attorney can obtain records from the DMV showing when the suspension was actually imposed and when it ended. If the officer stopped you after the suspension had already been lifted, the charge should be dismissed. Bring documentation to your court date proving the error.
How long does a driving-suspended conviction stay on my criminal record?
A misdemeanor conviction for driving suspended is permanent and will appear on background checks for the rest of your life. However, some states allow you to petition for expungement (removal from your record) after a certain period — typically 5 to 10 years — if you have no other convictions. Consult a criminal attorney in your state to learn whether expungement is possible in your case.
Will my insurance cover an accident if I was driving on a suspended license?
Most insurance policies have a clause that voids coverage if you were driving illegally. If you cause an accident while driving suspended, your insurance company will likely deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for all damages. You could be sued for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages — potentially owing tens of thousands of dollars.
Can I get my vehicle back from impound if I was arrested for driving suspended?
Yes, but you must pay the full towing and storage fees, which can total $500 to $1,500 depending on how long the vehicle has been impounded. You do not need to wait for your court case to end. Contact the impound lot, pay the fees, and provide proof of ownership or a signed release from the vehicle owner. Your criminal case and your vehicle recovery are separate matters.